NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee State football team was picked No. 1 in the BOXTOROW Preseason Coaches’ Poll and Anthony Bass, Daniel Fitzpatrick, Robert Myers, D’Ante Saunders and Nick Thrasher made the publication’s All-American Team.

This year marks the first time the Tigers have been No. 1 to start the season since BOXTOROW began administering the poll in 2009. The Tigers previous highest rank to start the season was No. 3 in 2013.

Last year was one of TSU’s best seasons in the storied history of the program. The Tigers finished 10-4 with a win over nationally ranked Jacksonville State and an FCS playoff win over Butler.

The BOXTOROW HBCU FCS coaches’ poll is administered by FROM THE PRESS BOX TO PRESS ROW and is voted on by the HBCU Football Championship Subdivision coaches.

The Tigers’ five selections were the most for any team including Fitzpatrick who is one of seven players who were BOXTOROW All-Americans in 2013, which also includes TSU teammates Nick Thrasher and defensive end Anthony Bass, the OVC Defensive Player of the Year in 2013.